Abstract:

The paper presents and discusses how the work and existence of newly-qualified primary school teachers in Ireland are affected. The specific focus of the discussion below is on the possible influence of laws in education and how they may impact on the professional experiences of teachers, and more specifically, the newly-qualified school teachers, primary schools in Ireland withing its relevant legislative context in which schools and society operates.

The research literature highlights that the concept of teachers' development falls short of conceptual clarity, as in most cases it attempts to provide examinations and descriptions of the term. The process of learning to teach in the first year has been also described from the perspective of change in their self-image and establishment of teaching identity. It can be maintained that ideally, teachers' professional learning contribute to teachers' commitment to teaching as a profession and to their sense of self as a person and as a professional.

In my presentation I will focus specifically on some examples how teachers emerge in their careers and how their professional learning, development and growth might be influenced by the day-to-day issues, experiences, and challenges of daily teaching. The discussion will include relationship and dealing with parents, classroom teaching and behavioral issues of students. The references are made to the human rights chapters, legislation and some case law. Key concepts are highlighted, with historical. social and legislative background are presented where possible.

Keywords:

Newly qualified teachers, teacher education and development, classroom issues, legislative context.